Call for Papers

(Deadline: January 12, 2007)

Picture Frames: Imaging and Imagining America
Panel at the 2007 American Studies Association Conference

Philadelphia, October 11-14, 2007

In keeping with the overarching theme of the 2007 convention ("América Aquí:
Transhemispheric Visions and Community Connections"), this panel explores
photography's intersections with migration and immigration across the United
States' physical and metaphorical borders.

Papers might explore how certain images or imaging strategies have
structured perceptions, encouraged migrations, or helped to constitute
identities. Papers might be grounded in photographic practices related to
identity (e.g. photographic identity cards), the circulation of images
across borders (whether in postcards, digital images on the web, or other
materials), the relationship of language to image, or in image-making
practices performed by those crossing America's borders. Topics are invited
to also explore nineteenth-century uses of photography in establishing
connections between communities.

The ASA supports innovative formats that disrupt the conventional "three
people reading papers" format. Therefore, the final format of the session
will be determined by the presenters and panel chair. That is to say, if the
individual topics meshed, it would be acceptable if a portion of the session
eventually takes form as a conversation between presenters or as a "hybrid"
(short individual presentations followed by a roundtable or workshop).

The conference will take place October 11-14, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA.
More conference info is available at
http://www.georgetown.edu/crossroads/AmericanStudiesAssn/annualmeeting/index
.htm

Papers with historical, cultural, political and especially transnational
perspectives are welcome, as are papers from all levels of academia.

Please send proposals (500 word maximum) or inquiries along with a CV to E.
Godbey (egodbeyiastate.edu) by January 12, 2007.

------------------
Dr. E. Godbey
Assistant Professor
Art and Design
Iowa State University
158 College of Design
Ames, IA 50011-3092
egodbeyiastate.edu